USW Sponsors National Day of Action to Protest Toxic Imports

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/01/14/usw-sponsors-national-day-of-action-to-protest-toxic-imports/

by James Parks, Jan 14, 2008

This Wednesday, thousands of members of the United Steelworkers (USW) and their families will take part in a National Day of Action on Toxic Trade. In 100 cities across the country, participants will rally to demand that Congress act immediately to protect Americans from the threat posed by the millions of imported lead-laced toys and other unsafe products.

Other groups joining the USW for the National Day of Action include the AFL-CIO and dozens of allied community, environmental and health organizations from across the country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cpIZBuwNAs&eurl=http://www.usw.org/usw/program/content/4463.php


USW President Leo Gerard says we are paying a high price for cheap, imported goods:

The massive toy recalls this holiday season drew attention to the much larger problem of the countless dangerous imports—tires, toothpaste, fake drugs, pet food—making their way on to U.S. store shelves. People are starting to realize that we’re paying the price for cheap, imported goods so corporations can make bigger profits. It’s time for our policymakers to fix this broken trade system, repair our regulatory agencies and protect our jobs and families.

Consumers and parents also are greatly concerned about toxic products and want action (see video above). At the same time, these products also pose a danger to the workers who produce them and are continuously exposed to the toxic substances.

The marchers will call on their representatives to support the U.S. Food and Product Responsibility Act (S. 2081), introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). A companion bill will be introduced soon in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.). If enacted, the bill would help to safeguard Americans against toxic food and consumer goods. The bill would prohibit a manufacturer from distributing certain products unless it holds a certification that it possess the means to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product. The bill also amends several laws to provide for voluntary and mandatory recalls of adulterated or misbranded articles and to provide notice to consumers and health officials.

How big a problem are toxic imports? Consider these examples provided by the USW:

* Since June 2007, when 1.5 million “Thomas the Tank Engine” toys were recalled, more than 6 million toys in all have been recalled for high levels of lead. Lead can cause a variety of health problems, including learning disabilities, stunted growth, kidney damage and even death. Other toxic imports that have come to light in recent months include lipstick, toothpaste, seafood, children’s lunch boxes and pet food.
* As many as 450,000 passenger tires made in China were recalled last year because of a blowout risk.

FULL story at link.